Tomorrow fight fans in Japan will see Japanese Bantamweight champion
Riku Masuda (5-1, 5) [増田 陸] make his first defense as he takes on 40 year old veteran
Yoshihiro Utsumi (17-11-6, 10) [宇津見義広] at Korakuen Hall, on the latest "WHO'S NEXT DYNAMIC GLOVE on U-NEXT". The bout not only serves as Masuda’s first defense but also a first domestic title challenge for Utsumi, who’s expected to call time on his career if he loses.
Today, ahead of their bout, the two men took part in their weigh in for the contest.
On the scales both men were comfortably under the limit, coming in at 117.7lbs for the bout.
Speaking to the media after the weigh in Masuda explained "I'm in great shape," adding "It's no different from my previous matches. I'll embody my own boxing. I want to carry out what I've been practicing,". He explained "I've established a boxing style that makes the most of my reach and physique." I interesting Masuda also spoke about the one man who beat him, current WBA world champion
Seiya Tsutsumi (12-0-2, 8) [堤聖也]. "Watching Tsutsumi-san take the world title from up close gave me a lot of energy. I think Tsutsumi-san's strong will and boxing style are well established. If there is momentum for a rematch, I would like to get revenge. I want to get there soon." Though his immediate focus is on Utsumi, adding "I will clear the match in front of me, and if the opportunity arises, I will fight anyone. (If a world match is decided) I will not miss the opportunity and I definitely want to become world champion."
As for Utsumi "I feel a different kind of tension than before. I'm ready for this fight. I thought I hadn't really been taking boxing seriously until now. This is a big gain. I'm glad I realised this before the fight." Notably Utsumi isn’t a full time professional boxer, and also works a day job, who have been accommodating for this bout, "They prepared the environment for me. I was given a month off work. I was able to eliminate any wasted time,". Notably he seemed confident, telling Boxmob’s reporter "I've been doing the best training I can. If I get the hang of it, I might be able to beat him right away, or it might take a long time. Please interview me after I win,"
